Join The Merchandising School today! Subscribe now to unlock expert insights and a 15% welcome discount on your first masterclass. Elevate your merchandising skills and drive your growth!

Live masterclasses for retail founders and their teams. Led by industry experts Anna Whalley and Sarah Johnson, with over 50 years of combined experience, this programme gives you the tools and strategies to make confident, profit-focused decisions.

Who This is For

This programme is for retail teams who want to unlock the commercial fundamentals that drive a more profitable business, and the founders and leaders who want to invest in growth. Whether your team is new to merchandising or has been learning on the job, this will build the commercial confidence to drive sales, reduce costs and optimise cash flow.

5 Live Masterclasses

Delivered over 5 weeks, including live sessions, practical templates, and expert support to help you apply what you learn

Next intake: Dates to be confirmed — join the waitlist for priority access

Week One

Strategic Planning: Boosting Efficiency and Managing Risk

Kick off your journey with an introduction to merchandising fundamentals and their crucial role in business success.

• Introduction to Merchandising: Understand the core principles of merchandising and how they drive sales, profitability, and growth.
• Critical Path Management: Master the creation and use of clear timelines to ensure on-time product launches that meet customer expectations.
• Production Planning: Dive into supplier relationships, lead times, and stock management to optimise your supply chain.
• Practical Tool: Receive a Critical Path Tool to apply these strategies right away.

Week Two

Plan Your Path to Profit: Mastering Sales Forecasting

Learn how to create actionable sales plans and refine forecasts to achieve profitability and manage cash flow effectively.

• Sales Planning Fundamentals: Set clear goals and develop a sales plan based on data, trends, and key events.
• Forecasting in Action: Adjust your sales forecast in real time to stay ahead of performance shifts.
• Practical Applications: See how your sales plans connect with cash flow, stock management, and marketing strategies.
• Tools for Success: Get a Lessons Learnt Template and a Sales Plan Tool to put your learning into practice.

Week Three

Mastering Stock Planning: Meet Demand and Unlock Cash Flow

Discover how to manage stock effectively to meet customer demand while optimising cash flow.

• Stock Planning Fundamentals: Align stock levels with sales plans to reduce costs and meet demand.
• Phasing and Cover Calculations: Master forward and spot cover calculations, using intake phasing to optimise cash flow and streamline supply chain lead times.
• Optimising Stock Mix and Visibility: Learn strategies to reduce excess stock, minimise markdown risks, and manage seasonal and continuity products.
• Practical Tool: Use your new Linecard Tool to manage stock and keep your plans on track.

Week Four

Maximising Profit: Mastering Margins and Pricing Strategies

Delve into strategies that maximise profitability through effective margin and pricing management.

• Understanding Margins and Pricing: Learn how to calculate and balance planned vs. actual margins for sustained profitability.
• Building a Pricing Strategy: Develop pricing structures that align with your brand, customers, and market position.
• Managing Profitability: Control channel costs, negotiate supplier terms, and adapt to margin-impacting factors like discounts, returns, and market fluctuations.
• Practical Tool: Use your Blended Margin Calculator to evaluate profitability across your business

Week Five

Profit-Driven Trading: Boost Sales, Reduce Risk

Leverage trading insights to boost profit, reduce risk, and make data-driven decisions.

• Understanding Trading: Learn to analyse performance, identify opportunities, and adjust your plans to maximise sales and profits.
• Key Metrics for Success: Dive into key metrics like rate of sale (ROS), sell-through (STR), margins, and availability to drive strategic decisions.
• Optimising Growth and Managing Risk: Gain actionable tips on stock management, pricing, and using data to capitalise on trends and minimise losses.
• Tools & Support: Access a Trading Summary and Uplift Calculator, plus a live Q&A to tackle your specific challenges.

5 Live Masterclasses

Delivered over 5 weeks, including live sessions, practical templates, and expert support to help you apply what you learn

Next intake: Dates to be confirmed — join the waitlist for priority access

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